Correction to Lords Oral Question

Baroness Warsi: In response to an intervention from Baroness Falkner of Margravine on 23 July regarding discussions Her Majesty’s Government have had with the political wing of Hezbollah; I have identified an error in my response.
	The relevant extract is as follows:
	Baroness Falkner of Margravine:
	My Lords, would my noble friend tell the House what discussions Her Majesty’s Government have had with the political wing of Hezbollah regarding its participation in the Syrian civil war?
	Baroness Warsi:
	Discussions with all Lebanese political parties, including Hezbollah—it is a large part of politics in Lebanon—are ongoing. We have raised our concerns because there was an indication that Lebanon was to remain neutral in this particular conflict. Clearly, from Hezbollah’s own admission that has not been the case. We are deeply concerned and have raised our concerns with Hezbollah.
	I should have answered:
	Discussions with Lebanese political parties are ongoing. We have raised our concerns because there was an indication that Lebanon was to remain neutral in this particular conflict. Clearly, from Hezbollah’s own admission that has not been the case. We are deeply concerned and have raised our concerns. However, we have not had discussions with the political wing of Hezbollah: the UK ceased diplomatic contacts with Hizballah in early 2010.

Mesothelioma: Compensation

Lord McNally: I am today announcing the publication of the Government’s consultation ‘Reforming mesothelioma claims’.
	It is a tragic fact that around 23,000 deaths from mesothelioma are predicted to occur between 2014 and 2024. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and terminal occupational disease caused by exposure to asbestos, with sufferers having a median life expectancy of 7 to 9 months from diagnosis. Despite this, there is evidence that around 50% of claims for compensation take over 12 months to settle; which means that victims may die before their claim is paid out.
	The Government recognises that there is a special and urgent case for reforming the way mesothelioma claims are dealt with. The proposals in the consultation build upon the significant work taken forward by the Mesothelioma Bill, currently before Parliament, and seek to increase the pace and improve the efficiency of the claims process so that an early payment of compensation is made to sufferers and their dependants.
	The consultation considers introducing a dedicated mesothelioma pre-action protocol (MPAP) supported by an industry funded secure claims gateway. It also seeks views on both the principle and structure of a fixed recoverable cost regime which aims to reflect the greater speed and efficiencies gained by the proposed MPAP.
	As part of that consultation, we will carry out the review of the mesothelioma provisions required under section 48 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
	The Government accepts that the handling of mesothelioma claims is a complex and sensitive issue, and is keen to hear views on our proposals and any further ideas from all interested parties.
	Copies of this Government Consultation have been placed in the Vote Office, the Printed Paper Office and the Libraries of both Houses. The document is also available online at http://www.justice.gov.uk.